Bedford today

Bedford prides itself on its progressive nature and commitment to innovation. Our service offering is purposely broad to ensure that we are able to address the diverse and evolving needs of people with disability or disadvantage. An integral part of our service is the availability of pathways between programmes and locations to ensure that each individual can choose the best options and opportunities for them.

We provide employment and training through our furniture, hospitality, horticulture, packaging, and various regional Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE's) or in the community though CareerSystems. In addition, life skills education is offered through our Day Options programme and key residential services in metropolitan and regional communities as well as accredited training through our registered training organisation.

Bedford:

• Supports almost 4,000 people with disability or disadvantage
• Employs over 800 people with disability in its diverse business areas throughout metropolitan Adelaide, on the Yorke Peninsula with locations at Port Pirie, Wallaroo and Kadina, in the South East at Mount Gambier and Millicent, and on the Eyre Peninsula at Port Lincoln
• Supports, through its CareerSystems division, 2,000 people in Federal Government Employment Programmes, including Job Services Australia and the Disability Employment Network in metropolitan Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, Gawler, Port Pirie, Peterborough and Mallala
• Supports almost 100 people in its Day Options Centres at Millicent, Panorama, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Wallaroo
• Provides residential services to almost 200 people with disability at Balyana and in the community.  Currently, Bedford is expanding its community housing portfolio for people with disability, in partnership with the State Government of South Australia
• Employs 370 support staff
• In partnership with TAFE (through DFEEST), is delivering accredited training to its supported employees and those of other disability employers through its ‘Abilities for All’ programme
•  Has 24 sites across South Australia

Click the timeline to read about key events in Bedford's history

1920 to Today

• Bedford started out as the Civilian Tubercular and Cancer Comforts Fund in 1920, before changing its direction in 1943 to become the South Australian Tuberculosis Association Incorporated (SATAI)
• In 1945, Bedford was born, with the focus on creating a brighter future for people with a disability through providing work, training and other life opportunities
• Bedford was originally located in Glenelg, moving to its site at Panorama in 1949
• Over the years, Bedford has expanded its services to offer opportunities across metropolitan Adelaide. More recently, Bedford has further expanded its services to operate state-wide, across South Australia